The Original Pete's NICU Diary - Day 1

In honor of Peter turning 18, Dede is sharing the original Diary she kept from his birth on October 7, 2000 until his NICU discharge on January 16, 2001. Peter reads the Diary every year staring on his birthday, so we thought it would be fun to read along with him this time!

Saturday, October 7, 2000

I made a surprise arrival at 2:28 a.m. on October 7, 2000. I weighed 2 pounds 13 ½ ounces and was 15 5/8 inches long. I was born at 30 weeks gestation, so I was 10 weeks premature.

U of M Nurse Maureen helped get Mommy and Daddy through my fast delivery. I was rushed off to the NICU immediately after birth. Mommy and Daddy got to hold my hand and touch me after I was stabilized, but they weren't able to give me any hugs or kisses. They were very sad about that. There are four rooms in U of M's Holden NICU from 1 being most critical to 4 being least. I was put in Room #2. Each room has 10 beds, so I have 9 bunkmates.

My first visitors were Grandma and Papa Tom Brockhaus. They brought Mommy some flowers and lots of fun things for me. I got new preemie outfits that I can wear once I come home and weigh at least 5 pounds. I also got a football and a Tonka Truck that is about twice my size! My neighbors, Mike and Lisa, also came to see me this evening.

Mommy and Daddy spent the entire day learning about all of my equipment in the NICU. The doctors and nurses took very good care of me. For the month of October, I have a staff physician, a Fellow, and two Residents all keeping tabs on me.

Read Pete's NICU Diary - Day 2